Teams from North Idaho STEM Charter Academy captured seven of 11 awards at the Idaho TECH Mars Rover Challenge, May 2 at the University of Idaho.

A total of 27 teams of Idaho students from grades 4-6 competed in the science and engineering design competition sponsored by the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium. Student teams built a Mars Rover using a LEGO kit provided by the consortium. The students put the rover to the test through a series of design challenges including: Hill climb, blind driving, speed test and rock collection. They also gave presentations explaining their design process.

Winning STEM Charter teams include:

* Second Place Overall: "Marshmallows of Mars" - Dimitri Epling, Tessa Robinson, Avery Denney, Wyatt Burlingame, Colby Lewis

* Third Place Overall: "The Lego Masters" - Jon Hargrave, Jess Stocker, Ashleigh Robinson, Demarco Piazza, Annalise Davidson, Tyler Fetting

* Best Hill Climbing Rover: "Ninjas of the Moon" - Brook Massey, Chelsea Marshall, Carson Rolen, Dillan Millette

* Best Display: "When Bacon Lands in the Frying Pan" - Daniel Simmons, Hailey Rolen, Bailey Freeman, Malachai Witherwax, Chris Clark, and Emma Parker

* Best Presentation: "Scientists from Saturn" - JT Rec, Alauna Davidson, Ellie Thomson, Abby Thomson, Soren Sabatke, Kyle McGee

* Lightest Weight: "Mortars from Mars" - Hunter Andres, Megan Hatrock, Alexis Kuenkler, Allison Russum, Bill Parker, Otis Jeffords

* Speed Test: "Houston, We Have A Problem" - Drew Holley, Tyanna Thompson, Daphne Carroll, George Poteet, Brittanee Klinge, Blaise Wright